4.7.8 Education and Human Resource Development Promote innovation, science and modern learning software technology for efficiency in education, as well as to promote skill development and professional capacity building. Improve the basic infrastructure with modern, wireless computer labs and other appropriate productivity tools. Develop a comprehensive plan for the smooth deployment of mobile computer devices (laptops) for students, as a learning tool, the maintenance and effective usage of the laptops at school and at home. Develop a focus on motivation and teacher training in ICT. Introduce an Education Management and Information Systems (EMIS) in a phased manner into the education sector to bring about more transparency, efficiency and productivity. Encourage and support ICT training and development of knowledge and its active use by all teachers and other public servants. Foster the use of ICT for formal and nonformal education, skills development and adult learning regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability or location. Encourage training in innovation and software applications development for the knowledge economy. 4.7.9 a focus on content and software creation. Support and facilitate programs in the private sector that encourage the effective use of ICT to improve operational efficiencies and international competitiveness. Develop monitoring and measurement systems to enable government to determine the impact of its ICT policies and measures on the ICT sector and industry generally. Encourage and support local ICT innovation and development of the current and potential markets through incentive and other schemes. Encourage and promote joint ventures between local and foreign entrepreneurs in the ICT sector. Support the growth of the ICT sector by the strategic outsourcing of ICT support and services by government. Support the use of ICT by MSMEs as an enabler of growth and economic development, including the online registration of businesses. Develop government-industry collaborations that work effectively manage cyber risk and to protect cyberspace. Provide a mechanism for bringing a variety of perspective, equities, and knowledge together to reach consensus and move forward together to enhance security at a national level. Industry and ICT Sector (incl. Trade and Financial Services) Create a conducive environment for a vibrant and sustainable ICT industry in SVG that is aligned to national priorities and which makes a significant economic contribution with St. Vincent & the Grenadines National ICT Strategy and Action Plan P a g e | 60 One of the most effective ways of ensuring that the desired outcomes and associated policy statements are achieved is through action: the execution of programmes and projects that are designed for this purpose. SVG thus focussed on the identification and development of such programmes and projects - with expert external facilitation. The National ICT Strategy and Action Plan was, therefore, crafted from ground up with implementation in mind, taking into consideration St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ relaunching point. [It should be noted that the issue of cyber security at a national level is of great concern to SVG. Detailed action plans were developed and these are outlined in an Appendix.] HIS Unit – Ministry of Health